Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Surgery Update 12/22/2010

Hello to all,

Clay underwent an 11 hour surgical procedure on Tuesday December the 14th. The official name for it was a free muscle or myocutaneous flap with microvascularanastomosis, in layman's terms. They took a large portion of full thickness skin and a portion of the muscle from his right thigh and transplanted it to his neck and chin. This piece of skin was attached microscopically to the existing blood supply in his neck. They attached the veins to the new skin flap to feed it and let it grow with him. He also had two tissue expanders in each shoulder. These were removed and the expanded skin was spread out across a portion of his chest and shoulders. The combination of these two procedures seem to have given Clay alot more room in his own skin. When they made the incision under his chin through the existing burn scars, Clay's neck came up 15 centimeters, (nearly 6 inches) this is amazing to see in that he now has a semblance of a chin and neck which we have not seen in a long time. The trach which was situated right below his bottom lip now looks like it is at the top of his chest. We thought this might be removed during this procedure but due to safety concerns and caution the Doctors elected to leave it in a little bit longer. Clay spent two nights in ICU; and, was then moved to a regular hospital room for 5 days. He is now using a walker to maneuver around until the donor site on his leg heals. We arrived home Monday afternoon. Mom (Deidra) stayed at the hospital for the week, while Grandma & I traded places back and forth with Carson and Cody. We are thankful for all of the prayers, meals, visits, and concern of friends and family. Clay has a strong little spirit and we have learned much by being with him. We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. We hope 2011 holds nothing but the best for all.

What an amazing and uplifting family the Fite's are. Praying for continue peace and answered prayers in 2011." But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the Lord....Jeremiah 30:17a

Wow, this is just such good news. The six inch "release" will just seem like being set free to Clay it would seem. Your family is so often in our thoughts. May your holiday time together be special and may 2011 bring special blessings to your dear little family!

Have thought about ya'll and wondered how the surgery went and appreciate you letting us know once again. We do hope for the very best for Clay and sounds like each surgery is going to be for his benefit. 11 hours, I bet you all were a bundle nerves fit to be tied. Glad he is improving and we want to wish you and your family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. I too hope 2011 will be a great year for ya'll.B&E

It was wonderful to read about this latest surgery and that so much progress was made. Your family is in my prayers. Wishing the best for all in 2011. Clay is such a trooper and such an encouragement to others. Thanks for all you share.

I am so pleased to get the update, Chance! Thank you. Am wondering if you all got to go South for the reunion. I hope Clay was able to make the journey! Your little family has been such an inspiration to us over these last years and we pray 2011 will continue to be a blessing to you all. Our love!, Pam & Dawn

Dear Fite's, we have been checking for an update on little Clay, and are happy to know the surgery was successful. We have followed your blog from the beginning of his accident and pray for continued recovery in 2011 for Clay. He is an amazing kiddo!!We keep your family in our daily prayers and wish each of you a Happy New Year and all good things for 2011.Love, The Southerlands in Austin, texas

Thinking of Clay and all of you today. Hope that Clay's healing is going great..that those skin graft sites are all well, and that the rest is doing what it should. Glad that surgery was successful...a few more "miles" on the road to recovery! Hugs....